Powering a Greener Future: Sustainable Practices in the Electrical Industry
Published: Monday, 01 July 2024
The electrical industry has a significant impact on our lives, the problem it faces is that more traditional practices also have a significant environmental impact. Industries like the electrical industry are having a growing focus on more sustainable solutions that benefit the planet and can even help people save money.
In this article, we are looking into the key areas in which the electrical industry is embracing a greener future.
Championing Renewable Energy Integration
Every year we are seeing a fundamental shift as we move further away from the dependence on fossil fuels. With this, we are integrating renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower. Electrical companies are helping with this transition by:
Designing and installing renewable energy systems: Electrical wholesalers can assist with planning out your energy systems and will make sure they meet the infrastructure requirements so they can be connected to the grid.
Promoting battery storage solutions: Battery storage allows for excess renewable energy to be used during evenings when you no longer have access to any solar energy. It can also be used to help save you money as you can use stored energy during peak times, so you don’t have to use grid power when it is at its most expensive.
At YESSS, we have a specialist Renewables team who can work with you as part of our consultation to determine whether renewable energy systems are viable for your site. We also offer a design service which will show you the expected generation and the potential financial and carbon savings for you and your business.
Prioritising Energy Efficiency
With the rise in renewables, we are still looking for ways to reduce our overall energy consumption. We still face issues with overall energy systems being inefficient and causing us to waste energy. The following are ways the electrical industry is making strides to try and prevent this wastage:
Developing and using energy-efficient equipment: Manufacturers have been improving and developing current electrical components to help them reduce overall energy consumption. These components include motors, transformers, and many more.
Promoting energy audits and retrofits: With systems in place, electrical companies can identify areas where a building is wasting energy and will recommend solutions to solve this. The big two upgrades we have seen to buildings recently have been the integration of LED lighting and the use of smart technology.
Educating consumers: By providing our customers with the information they need; they can adopt energy-efficient appliances and practices which will help be part of the solution as we look to prioritise energy efficiency.
Embracing Sustainable Materials and Practices
The electrical industry is finding new ways to dispose of materials and find alternative materials to help minimise the environmental impact:
Utilising recycled and recyclable materials: More and more products and packaging are using recyclable materials to minimise the environmental impact.
Minimising waste during installations: Waste management is much needed process to help reduce and avoid any unnecessary landfill. This requires careful planning and having the correct waste management systems in place to make sure that materials are deposited in the correct area.
Adopting sustainable construction techniques: To help further lower energy consumption, electrical contractors can work with builders to incorporate more natural lighting and ventilation strategies. This will reduce the overall need for lighting and air conditioning units in buildings.
The Road Ahead
Sustainability is no longer a niche concept, and businesses are always looking for ways to improve on their sustainable practices. For businesses that aren’t following the norm, by embracing these practices, electrical companies can:
- Reduce their environmental footprint
- Improve operational efficiency and cost savings
- Attract eco-conscious clients and build brand reputation
As we push for a more sustainable world, the electrical industry has a bright future ahead of itself. As technology evolves and improves, we can expect more innovative and effective sustainable practices to emerge.